Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Ellen DeGeneres Filming First Comedy Special Since 2003 For Netflix

Ellen DeGeneres is filming her first stand-up comedy special since 2003 for Netflix.

The streaming service has been collecting the biggest names in comedy for exclusive specials, including Chris Rock, Louis C.K., Amy Schumer, and Dave Chappelle. Now, DeGeneres will join that group. She and Netflix revealed the news via a Twitter exchange:

DeGeneres hasn't had a comedy special since 2003's "Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now," which aired on HBO. It's likely the deal is worth many millions of dollars — Rock was reportedly paid $20 million for two specials. Netflix has been making big moves on the comedy front, and has essentially dethroned HBO as the standup special king.

In the 15 years since her last special, the comedian has focused on her hit daytime talk show, as well as producing other series like the kiddie variety show "Little Big Shots."